Spring Fling: Decorating with Vibrant Colors

Spring may be off to a slow start for many, but why wait for warm temps to incorporate this season’s trends? Taking a cue from the runway, this spring is all about the bold and bodacious. This not only includes graphic black and white prints, but also vibrant solids.

From Michael Kors’ Americana sportswear to the sensual shapes of Gucci, designers employed bright hues to create collections that are both playful and sophisticated. Colors include cobalt, citrus yellow, coral, turquoise, hot pinks, and the brightest of reds. They’re rich, highly saturated, and perfectly suitable for the home!

Planes of solid color

The secret to spring’s trend is to mix and match highly saturated solids. No busy prints or patterns, just color. Start with your walls for maximum impact and endless options. Elle Décor recommends Exuberant Pink by Sherwin-Williams, Bicycle Yellow by Ralph Lauren or Waterloo by Benjamin Moore. After a fresh coat of paint, add furniture and accessories in varying shades.

A palette of primaries

There’s nothing elementary about the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue! Though associated with children’s design when in their most saturated state, primaries can be quite refined. Here, we see the combination of red and yellow from a spring fashion editorial work equally well in a traditional interior.

The richness of jewel tones

For an equally dramatic approach, try jewel tones of your favorite colors. Named for their resemblance to actual gems, options include ruby, emerald, sapphire, and topaz. From walls to accessories, these hues can be easily combined in all kinds of spaces. Try a palette of turquoise and purple with pops of red or magenta.

Desiré is a designer, blogger, and lover of all things glamorous. Though primarily a self-taught decorator, Desiré studied at The Art Institute, where she honed a distinct aesthetic largely influenced by the Modern Glamour movement, the theme of her popular design blog, Sukio. Not only is she considered a "closet fashionista," discreetly stashing handbags and shoes whenever possible, but, as an MIT graduate, she’s also an undercover nerd. Fashion, nerdom, and several years as a Washingtonian have combined to shape her unique perspective on interior design.